Empowering the Poor

Information and Communications Technology for Governance and Poverty Reduction - A Study of Rural Development Projects in India

Authors: Roger Harris and Rajesh Rajora

(Foreword by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan)
© UNDP-APDIP, Elsevier, 2006
ISBN: 81-312-0629-7

http://www.apdip.net/news/empoweringthepoor to download publication

It is widely believed that, if used appropriately, information and communications technology (ICT) are effective tools in the fight against poverty. As India’s poverty is deepening and its ICT industry booming, there are many projects underway that are using ICT to reduce poverty and promote good governance.

This publication, with a foreword by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan, is the product of a research study that systematically analyzes 18 projects in India that use ICT for the benefit of poor people, and provides recommendations on how ICT can be applied to the massive, widespread and seemingly intractable problems of poverty. The intention of this research study was to understand what influences will determine the extent to which projects like these can be scaled up from what often appears to be a perpetual pilot syndrome; either to greater use within existing recipient beneficiaries (infusion) or among wider beneficiary populations (diffusion), or both. Projects were analyzed and ranked by their relevance, service delivery, community participation and empowerment, equality in decision-making and benefits, sustainability, replicability and their prospects for being scaled-up.

This research study is a joint initiative of UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme (UNDP-APDIP), UNDP India and the Government of India's Department of Personnel and Training. It was guided by an advisory group of eminent researchers and practitioners. Questionnaires were completed by 2,156 project beneficiaries and interviews were conducted with project stakeholders and personnel.

The lessons learned from India’s experiences can guide the Nation’s future directions, as well as that of other countries. The publication is an ideal resource not only for government officers, but also development practitioners and ICT for development researchers.

This publication is part of the trilogy of UNDP-APDIP ICT4D Case Studies. Other published titles include:

·                     Breaking Barriers: The Potential of Free and Open Source Software for Sustainable Human Development - A Compilation of Case Studies from Across the World

·                     Exploring New Modalities: Experiences with Information and Communications Technology Interventions in the Asia-Pacific Region - A Review and Analysis of the Pan-Asia ICT R&D Grants Programme

All UNDP-APDIP publications are available for free download at http://www.apdip.net/elibrary